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The subdued lighting and sparkling Christmas tree at the River & Rowing Museum was a perfect setting for the 13th Living Advent Calendar evening. Partnered by Sothebys International Realty, they plied the audience with hot mulled wine, mince pies and cake, making an idyllic festive setting.
It was an evening of Surprise Acts in more ways than one! It was quite a surprise for the father and son duo of Andy and Toby Marlow who were total heroes, stepping in at less than 24 hours notice to replace the scheduled performers who had gone down with laryngitis. Not only did they ‘save the day’, but the crowd of well over 100 fell in love with their cool renditions of Christmas favourites, culminating in mum Helma joining her son for a duet of ‘Baby, its cold outside’. (Yes, that’s Helma Marlow who sang on Sunday 2nd)
The other Surprise Guest of the evening was Olympic rower and Leander Captain, Debbie Flood. As a Sue Ryder Ambassador she asked the audience to dig deep and support our three local charities, which include Sue Ryder Care – and got great results, judging by the weight of the collecting bucket she carried at the end of the evening!